Lions Hopeful Jeff Backus Will Be Healthy By Training Camp

If there were still any questions about where offensive tackle Jeff Backus will be playing next season, they were answered earlier this week by Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand. During a call with season ticket holders, Lewand talked about Backus and reiterated that the Lions want to bring him back. Lewand mentioned that Backus has been through a lot, and with things finally moving in the right direction for the franchise, they especially want him to be a part of it going forward.

Lewand also talked about the injury Backus sustained -- a torn biceps muscle -- in the Lions' loss to the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. According to Lewand, Backus is on a timetable that should have him ready for training camp next summer.

"We feel he’s a guy who can be healthy in time for training camp and certainly he’s a guy who is somebody we’ve had discussions about him returning."

Out of all the players set to become free agents this offseason for the Lions, I don't think anybody outside of Don Muhlbach is as much of a lock to return as Backus. He has spent his entire career with the Lions, and with nobody currently on the roster ready to step in for him at left tackle, there's no sense in not re-signing him.